Exercise Dependence in Practitioners of Martial Arts and Combat Sports.

BACKGROUND: The aim of this study was to analyse prevalence exercise dependence among practicing martial arts and combat sports. METHODS: There were 166 respondents. The Exercise Dependence Scale-EDS was used. RESULTS: The martial arts practitioners obtained a lower result in the 'intention effects' (p < 0.05; η2 = 0.03), 'continuance' (p = 0.04; η2 = 0.03), 'lack of control' (p < 0.05; η2 = 0.03), 'reduction in other activities' (p = 0.04; η2 = 0.03), and 'total score' (p = 0.04; η2 = 0.03) than the combat sports athletes. Both the respondents with a high training rank (p < 0.05) and subjects with above 5 years of training experience (p = 0.03; η2 = 0.03) achieved the higher mean in the 'time' subscale. Women obtained lower results in the case of 'tolerance' (p = 0.04; η2 = 0.04). The regression coefficient indicates that the higher respondent's age, the lower total score she/he will achieve in the EDS. CONCLUSIONS: The findings have practical implications for identifying subjects 'at-risk for exercise dependence' symptoms, and may aid coaches and individuals in the implementation of a prevention program, to seek suitable support.

Handheld Weights as an Effective and Comfortable Way To Increase Exercise Intensity of Physical Activity in Virtual Reality: Empirical Study.

BACKGROUND: In recent years, there has been a growing interest in active virtual reality games (AVRGs) that provide entertainment and encourage more physical activity (PA). Since playing AVRGs involves primarily arm movements, the intensity of this form of PA may not be sufficient for health benefits. Therefore, it is worth looking for virtual entertainment solutions that are comfortable for users and at the same time increase physical exercise. OBJECTIVE: The main objective of this study was to evaluate the effect of external loading of the arms in the form of handheld weights (HHWs) on exercise intensity in users playing a popular AVRG. The results obtained in the study were compared with the PA recommendations for health. The study also assessed the perceptions of the users about the attractiveness and usefulness of this type of exercise and discomfort caused by additional load on the arms. METHODS: The study covered 17 young adults aged 18 to 25 years playing an AVRG (Beat Saber) with no arm load and with HHWs (0.5 kg). A PlayStation 4 PRO console (Sony) with accessories including a head-mounted display and controllers was used in the study. PA intensity was evaluated using a heart rate monitor based on the percentage of maximal heart rate (% HRmax). The usability, attractiveness, and comfort perceived during exercise by users were evaluated using a survey questionnaire. RESULTS: The measurements showed that the mean % HRmax in participants playing Beat Saber without HHWs was significantly lower (P<.001; Cohen d=1.07) than that observed when playing with HHWs. It should be emphasized that with no additional load, the intensity of PA was low (mean 63.7% HRmax, SD 9.3% HRmax), while with the upper limb load, it increased to a moderate level (mean 67.1% HRmax, SD 10.3% HRmax), which is recommended for health benefits. The survey conducted in the study showed that HHWs (0.5 kg) attached to the wrists did not disturb Beat Saber players. CONCLUSIONS: Since PA in most of the modern AVRGs primarily involves upper limb movements, the use of HHW seems to be a simple and effective way to increase exercise intensity, especially because, as reported by the study participants, such a procedure does not cause discomfort while using the application.

Effects of the COVID-19 Pandemic on the Perception of Inclusion in School Education and Physical Activity Among Polish Students.

The coronavirus disease-2019 (COVID-19) pandemic impacted the lives of children and adolescents, leading to many changes in their routines, especially in education. Face-to-face physical education (PE) classes during COVID-19 were affected in organization, possibly conditioning students' participation, motivation, and learning. In the extreme conditions of the coronavirus, it may be assumed that daily physical activity became much less than before, partly because students are learning outside the school environment and PE lessons taught using remote forms do not fulfill their purpose. The aim of the study was to assess the pupil's perception of inclusion in school education during the remote learning caused by the COVID-19 pandemic and to compare the results with the control group. Moreover, the physical activity of respondents during social isolation due to the coronavirus was examined. The sample consisted of 111 pupils of both genders, aged 14-21 years. The Perceptions of Inclusion Questionnaire (PIQ) was used to measure the perception of inclusion in school education. The structure of the participants' physical activity was examined using the International Physical Activity Questionnaire-Long Form (IPAQ-LF) for adolescents. It was observed that the pupils' gender did not differentiate their perception of inclusion in school education. It was proved that respondents participating in research during the COVID-19 pandemic obtained statistically significantly lower results in the case of "emotional wellbeing in school" (p < 0.001; η2 = 0.07) but a higher mean was observed in relation to "social relationships with other pupils" (p = 0.04; η2 = 0.02) than the control group. Girls achieved a higher mean in the case of walk Metabolic Equivalent of Task (MET) (p = 0.02; η2 = 0.06) than boys. In addition, it was observed that the recommendation of vigorous physical activities was achieved by 37.78% of boys and 34.85% of girls. In turn, 69.70% of female pupils and 77.78% of male respondents met the recommendations for medium physical activities. It was also noted that 87.88% of girls and 86.67% of boys participating in the research achieved the recommendation for total physical activities. The analysis showed negligible and low positive correlations between examined variables.

Aggression Dimensions Among Athletes Practising Martial Arts and Combat Sports.

Purpose: The main aim of the research was to analyse aggression dimensions among athletes practising martial arts and combat sports. Material and Methods: There were 219 respondents. The Buss and Perry Aggression Questionnaire (BPAQ) in the Polish adaptation by Siekierka was applied. Results: Martial arts apprentices turned out to present a statistically significantly lower level of hostility (p < 0.001) and of the general aggression index (p = 0.04) than combat sports athletes. It turned out that lower level of aggression was noted in female participants (physical aggression (p < 0.001), verbal aggression (p = 0.004), hostility (p < 0.001), and the general aggression index (p < 0.001). Analysis revealed that the training experience and the training rank did not differentiated the level of the respondents' particular aggression dimensions. Conclusions: It would be advisable to perform parallel analyses in other areas of Poland and take into account the respondents' education and place of residence.